Presumptive workers' compensation for first responders with PTSD and other psychological injuries will be harmonised across all Australian jurisdictions, presuming COAG agrees on recommendations from a national inquiry.
Sustainable workplace health initiatives rely on strong leadership to maintain the initial enthusiasm for change, a public health researcher evaluating a state government program says.
A tribunal has ruled that workplace chemicals caused a worker's terminal cancer, after identifying a "significant gap" in the available protections against direct skin exposure.
S-xism in the workplace harms workers' mental health, but interventions that make them feel like they belong in an organisation can reduce the impact, according to Australian researchers, who stress that the ultimate goal is preventing s-xism, not just its effects.
Employers can use screening tools to detect employees at risk of long-term sick leave and quickly return them to work, an analysis of questionnaires for workers and occupational physicians has suggested.
A Fair Work Commissioner has referred a major employer to a WHS regulator, after finding a worker was allowed to return to work immediately after threatening to commit suicide.
European researchers have warned that even young, healthy workers need to engage in physical activities outside of work to maintain their work ability, especially if they perform physically demanding jobs.
"Paper policies" really can transform workplace cultures and reduce s-xual harassment, but WHS laws must be amended to explicitly mandate proactive harassment prevention and complaint mechanisms, according to leading business academics.
Putting in place clear documented policies around workplace "accommodations" and how to access them is one of many ways employers can meet the needs of workers with mental health conditions, a new government-commissioned toolkit says.
